Freeview HD slot for Five

The terrestrial broadcaster Five has been granted a licence to deliver high definition terrestrial television through the Freeview service as soon as space becomes available.

This is expected to be in 2010.

However, Five will need to meet Ofcom’s rules of eligibility by the end of this year.

This is good news for Five which was up against some serious competition for the place, including bids from Channel Four and S4C (Welsh Language), but Five came out on top and now has the fourth HD licence on Freeview.

Initially Five intends to start simulcasting the standard definition and HD content, but this will be done for the peak times.

At all other times it is believed that Five is likely to share the daytime space with another broadcaster.